Det Supt Mick Treble, who is heading the investigation, said Mrs Whiting had died "as a direct result" of the attack.

Mrs Whiting, who lived in Meadow House, Spon End, and walked with a stick, was a former dinner lady at Binley Park School.

Mr Whiting, one of three sons, said his mum had used that subway for many years and felt safe using it.

"She was, mentally, a very tough woman. She had no problems until that Monday.

"My family has fallen apart because of this."

Det Supt Treble said they had deployed extra officers near the scene.

Anyone with information should contact the Major Investigation Unit at Chace Avenue police station on 0845 113 5000 or Crime-stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Tragic subway walk is recalled

POLICE handed out appeal leaflets as they spoke to people using the Spon Street subway yesterday afternoon.

Officers were at the underpass and also in Starley Road where a passerby struggled with the mugger and recovered Mrs Whiting's belongings.

Among those receiving a leaflet was Mrs Whiting's neighbour Peggy Walford, aged 87, of Meadow House, Spon End, who said: "She was the very last person it should have happened to because she would go out of her way to do anything for anybody.

"Margaret was picking up a 93-year-old neighbour's pension as well as her own.

"She was friendly with everybody and I can understand her family being knocked out. I was shocked."